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News & Announcements

News and Annoucements

  • Big Creek Elementary
  • Board of Education
  • Central Elementary
  • District
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • West Elementary

Voters in the North Polk district will have the opportunity to vote on the renewal of the PPEL (Physical Plant & Equipment Levy) on March 4, 2025. 

A graphic of the PPEL renewal

February 11th, 2025

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, voters across the entire North Polk district will have the chance to vote on the renewal of the Voter-Approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL, pronounced “pepple”). This levy serves as a primary source of funding for essential infrastructure improvements and equipment within our district. The school district is seeking a 10-year extension of the current levy rate. A simple majority (over 50%) is needed for approval.

What is the Voter-Approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (VPPEL)?

The VPPEL is a voter-approved fund that uses property tax revenue to support critical improvements and purchases throughout our district. The current rate is $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. For the current school year, the district is set to receive $1,028,849 from this funding. These funds are strictly used for purposes allowed by Iowa Code 298.3, which includes infrastructure and equipment needs.

Why Do We Need to Vote on This?

The current levy is set to expire at the end of FY26 (June 30, 2026). This ballot measure seeks to renew the levy at the same rate for another 10 years. It’s important to note that the levy rate will not increase—it’s simply a renewal of the existing rate.

How Has the District Used VPPEL Funds?

The district has relied on VPPEL funds to support many crucial projects, including:

  • School buses and transit vans
  • Chromebooks and staff devices for students and faculty
  • Building and grounds repairs and improvements, such as playground equipment and HVAC systems
  • Non-instructional software to manage student and staff devices, finance, human resources, and the district’s student information system
  • Major bus repairs to ensure safe transportation for our students

These funds directly impact the learning environment and safety of our schools. Without these funds, the district would face challenges in maintaining and upgrading vital infrastructure, and we would have to reallocate resources from other areas.

How Will This Affect My Taxes?

The levy rate will remain unchanged at $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for the next ten years, maintaining the current rate throughout the renewal period.

We encourage you to vote on March 4, 2025, and help ensure the continued success and safety of our school district!


PPEL Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the Voter-Approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (VPPEL)?

The VPPEL is a fund approved by voters that uses property tax revenues to support essential improvements and equipment across the North Polk School District. The levy helps fund projects like building repairs, technology purchases, and transportation needs.

2. Why is the VPPEL being renewed?

The current VPPEL levy rate is set to expire at the end of FY26 (June 30, 2026). This ballot measure seeks to renew the levy at the same rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for another 10 years to continue funding necessary infrastructure, technology, and transportation improvements.

3. How will the VPPEL funds be used?

VPPEL funds are used exclusively for specific purposes allowed under Iowa Code 298.3. Previous district expenditures include:

  • Purchasing school buses and transit vans
  • Providing Chromebooks and staff devices for students and faculty
  • Maintaining and improving school buildings and grounds (e.g., playground equipment, HVAC systems)
  • Buying non-instructional software to manage district operations (e.g., student information system, financial software)
  • Performing major bus repairs

4. How does this affect my taxes?

The VPPEL levy rate will remain at $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. There will be no increase in the rate for this renewal over the next ten years.

5. When will the vote take place?

The vote on the VPPEL renewal will occur on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The election office will notify voters of their polling location prior to the election.

6. How is the VPPEL different from other funding sources?

VPPEL funds are specifically designated for non-instructional capital improvements and equipment purchases, such as school building maintenance, repairs, and technology. Unlike general operating funds, these dollars are restricted by law and cannot be used for salaries or day-to-day operational expenses.

7. How much revenue is generated by the VPPEL?

The Voter-Approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (VPPEL) generates approximately $1,028,849 annually. These funds are used to support essential infrastructure, technology, and equipment needs throughout the district.

8. What happens if the levy renewal doesn’t pass?

If the VPPEL renewal does not pass, the district will face challenges in funding essential infrastructure, technology, and transportation needs. The district may have to divert funds from other areas or delay important projects, which could impact the learning environment and safety of our schools.

With board approval, Miriam Salamah has joined the district in two different capacities: serving as the Operations Administrative Assistant and the new Drama Director. 

A photo portrait of Miriam Salamah, the new drama director.

January 30, 2025

Welcome, Miriam Salamah, to North Polk!

Miriam Salamah has taken on two new roles within the district: serving as the Operations Administrative Assistant for the technology and transportation teams and has also been recently selected as the new Drama Director for NPHS.

Originally from Osage, Iowa, Salamah graduated from UNI before relocating to Los Angeles. There, she continued her acting studies, produced short films, co-founded a theatre company, and most recently worked with Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine. Miriam comes to North Polk CSD with over 15 years of acting and teaching experience. On a personal note, she has a dog named Shiloh, who she adopted during the pandemic. As she prepares to lead at North Polk, she expresses her enthusiasm, stating, “I am extremely passionate about creating community wherever I go. I am beyond excited to help build and nurture the fine arts community here at North Polk, and I cannot wait to collaborate with the students! Let's put on a show!”

We look forward to seeing the direction the program will take under her leadership!

Welcome!

  • Activities
  • Athletics
  • Board of Education
  • Fine Arts
  • High School

Following board approval, our Activities Department has introduced new clubs and student organizations. 

A photo of a group of students working on a science project.

January 29, 2025

The regular January board of education meeting included a few important approvals, including the academic calendar and adjustments to start times. In addition to these updates, the board also passed a resolution to establish several new high school student organizations: A STEM honor society, science club, chess club, and esports team. These new clubs and organizations aim to provide additional opportunities for students, aligning with the Board of Education's goal of engaging 85% or more of students in at least one co-curricular or extracurricular activity.

These new organizations will offer students diverse ways to explore their interests and develop new skills. As they take shape, the district is committed to providing a variety of programs that foster student involvement, connection, and a sense of community. Stay tuned for more information as these groups begin to form and provide students with even more opportunities to get involved.

The proposed calendar will see a few logistical adjustments beginning next school year. Learn more about the changes below. 

Preschool students posing towards the camera with Principal Longtin.

January 14, 2025
Updated January 27, 2025

While we may have just turned the page on the new calendar year, the district has already started planning for the 2025-2026 school year. A key component of this process: finalizing the academic calendar. 

A few years ago, a calendar committee was established to help identify critical needs and gather feedback directly from a variety of stakeholders. This group, comprised of district leadership, school board members, staff, and community representatives, has been instrumental in shaping the direction of our planning.

One resounding theme driving the calendar conversations and a potential need to look at schedule changes is the ongoing challenges facing our transportation department. These include an outdated fleet,  a consistent shortage of drivers, and the demands of maintaining routes. Coupled with the district’s significant and continued growth, we’ve reached an impasse, where change is not just desirable, but necessary. 

Below we’ve outlined some of the changes, along with an FAQ section to help clarify a few questions and concerns that we’ve received. At the regular January board meeting, the 25/26 academic calendar was approved. To view the calendar, follow the link below.

Calendar link

Double-Routing Transportation System:

  • What is it?
    • The double-routing system means one bus and driver will run two separate routes: one for elementary and another for secondary students.
  • Why is this change happening?
    • Driver Shortage: The district, like many others, is currently facing an ongoing shortage of bus drivers, which is affecting our ability to provide reliable and timely transportation for all students.
    • Updated Fleet: Double-routing will allow us to run fewer routes, stow fewer buses in our fleet, and invest in newer, safer, and more efficient buses to replace the older, less reliable equipment. 
    • Enrollment Growth: As enrollment trends continue to increase, our transportation system needs to be more efficient to meet an ongoing, increased demand. 
    • Efficiency & Safety: Maximizing current staff and buses helps ensure the system remains efficient, safe, and reliable.
  • Impact on Families:
    • Separate pick-up/drop-off times: Students will have separate pick-up and drop-off times age-dependent, one for elementary and another for secondary students.
    • Improved Bus Services: This change will maximize efficiency, reduce bus overcrowding, shorten routes, and improve service reliability.

Altered Start Times: (not out of choice, but more out of necessity)

  • What is it?
    • In line with the double-routing system, buildings will have offset start times. Elementary schools will start at 7:50 AM (Big Creek 7:55 AM) and secondary schools will begin at 8:20 AM.
  • Why is this change happening?
    • Improved Transportation System: Offset start times allow the district to transition to a double-routing transportation system. 
    • Student Drivers: While we know elementary students may have early pick-ups in the dark for a portion of the year, with regards to safety, we would rather this than our secondary students driving in the dark and potentially winter road conditions.
    • Better for Student Sleep: Research shows that adolescent students (ages 12-18) need more sleep than younger students.
  • Impact on Families:
    • Schedule Adjustments: Students and families may need to adjust routines, especially with earlier pick-up times for those with elementary students. However, we anticipate these split routes to be shorter and more efficient.
    • No Change to Before/After-School Activities: Extracurricular activities, including before-school practices and Early Bird PE, will remain intact.

Professional Learning Days:

  • What is it?
    • Full-day Professional Development Days (no school for students) will replace the Monday late start model.
  • Why is this change happening?
    • Staff Feedback: The district gained feedback from all staff members, nearly 90% of respondents prefer full-day PD to Monday late starts.
      A pie chart outlining answers to a staff survey.

      Screenshot taken of respondents' preferences from an internal staff survey conducted in December 2024. 

    • Better for Working Families: Consistent start times reduce scheduling conflicts, Monday late starts often bring many logistical challenges for working families.
    • Focused Staff Learning: Teachers, staff, and administrators will have more intentionally focused time for collaborative learning and professional growth. 
  • Impact on Families:
    • No Monday Late Starts: School will begin at a consistent start time throughout the year and at the regular time on Mondays. 
    • Full-Day Professional Development Days: Each month, there will be a full-day professional development session resulting in a no-school student day. 

FAQ:

  1. What is double-routing, and how will it impact my child’s bus schedule?
    A double-routing bus system will allow our transportation department to run two separate routes, one for elementary and another for secondary, with one bus and driver, ultimately resulting in two separate pick-up and drop-off times. 
  2. I have students in both middle school and elementary. How will that work?
    With the proposed schedule, the elementary start times are slated to begin 30 minutes before our secondary buildings. Elementary pick-up and drop-off will be earlier and separate from secondary students.
  3. Why are start times being changed?
    The changes to school start times are driven by the need to transition to a double-routing transportation system due to our driver shortage needing to be actively addressed. 
  4. Will professional development days be consistent on a monthly basis?
    In most cases, the professional development day will fall on Mondays throughout the school year, except for fall (October) and spring (February) conferences where the professional learning day will be on the Friday following each conference date. There will be no Professional Learning Day in March. 
  5. Will these changes result in financial savings for the district?
    While double-routing may result in some savings for the district due to fewer buses being needed, the primary driver of this change is to improve transportation reliability and address ongoing staffing challenges, not to achieve significant cost savings.
  6. Why are elementary start times earlier?
    The decision to start elementary schools earlier is driven by a few key factors:
    Adolescent Sleep Needs: Research shows that secondary students (ages 12-18) need more sleep than younger students, which is why their start times are later.
    Program Scheduling: A later start for secondary schools allows us to keep Fine Arts and Early Bird Physical Education programs without starting them before 7 AM.
    Safety: While elementary students may be picked up in the dark, we believe it’s safer for secondary students to avoid driving in dark, winter conditions.
  7. What are the reasons behind moving to full-day professional development (PD) days instead of Monday late starts?
    We gained feedback directly from our staff, almost 90% of respondents across all buildings in the district indicated a preference for full-day professional development over Monday late starts. This will provide our teachers will more focused time for collaboration, planning, and learning, ultimately benefiting our students in the long run. Additionally, this transition also reduces any scheduling conflicts for families, as Monday late starts often bring many logistical challenges for working families. 
  8. Will there still be a morning activity shuttle?
    Yes! The morning activity shuttle will operate as in previous years, and there will be no changes to extracurricular activities, including before-school practices and Early Bird PE.
  9. With preschool still scheduled to be half-days, will a midday transportation route still be offered?
    Yes. In some form, there will be a midday preschool transportation route offered at both West and Central next year. While the exact details are still being finalized, we can assure you that the route will continue to be available, either in its current format or with potential adjustments.
  • Big Creek Elementary

Rocket launching. Silly Putty. Robots. And so much more. Big Creek Elementary hosted the 2nd Annual Family STEM Night!

Three photos of students working on activities during the STEM night at Big Creek Elementary.

On January 22nd, Big Creek Elementary hosted over 700 students, families, and staff for their 2nd Annual Family STEM Night! The evening's theme was "Mad Scientists," showcased through ten engaging stations for families to explore. Upon arrival, students received a punch card to mark off the different stations they visited. The stations included:

  1. Universal Domination (robot coding with Dash)
  2. Makey Makey
  3. Mad Lab Putty
  4. Binary Code
  5. Crack the Code
  6. High Voltage Circuits (paper circuits)
  7. Rocket Launcher
  8. Glow Art
  9. Glow Germ Investigation
  10. Fingerprinting

After rotating through the stations, students could submit their cards for a chance to win a prize in a drawing. Later that week, two lucky winners from each grade level were announced during the morning announcements, each receiving a special 3D-printed articulated animal. The event was made possible by the Big Creek staff and dedicated volunteers who invested extra time to create such a memorable experience beyond the regular school hours.